Module 1: Introduction to Logic and Critical Thinking
Objectives:
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
• Define logic and critical thinking.
• Understand the role of reasoning in nursing.
• Differentiate between facts, opinions, and beliefs.
• Identify arguments and their structure.
• Recognize the value of critical thinking in clinical settings.
What is Logic?
Definition:
• Logic is a system of reasoning that aims to draw valid conclusions based on given information. To
use this system, a person focuses on argumentation by defining premises or claims that
ultimately help prove their overall conclusion.
• Logic is the systematic study of reasoning and argument. It helps determine whether the
reasoning behind a statement or decision is valid and sound.
In Nursing:
• Interpreting lab results
• Assessing symptoms
• Making evidence-based decisions
• Prioritizing care
Example:
A patient has pale skin, dizziness, and a low hemoglobin level.
Logical conclusion: The patient may be anemic.
What is Critical Thinking?
• Critical thinking is a kind of thinking in which you question, analyze, interpret, evaluate and make
a judgement about what you read, hear, say, or written.
•
Critical thinking is the ability to actively and skillfully conceptualize, analyze, evaluate, and apply
information to make sound judgments.
Key Skills:
• Observation
• Interpretation
• Analysis
• Inference
• Explanation
• Evaluation
In Nursing Practice:
• Prioritizing patient needs
• Questioning assumptions
• Applying clinical reasoning
• Reflecting on actions and decisions
Quote:
“Critical thinking is thinking about your thinking while you're thinking in order to make your
thinking better.” – Richard Paul
Why It Matters in Nursing
• Improves patient safety and outcomes
• Supports ethical decision-making
• Helps in working with interdisciplinary teams
• Enhances evidence-based practice
Example Scenario:
• A patient refuses medication.
• Critical thinking involves assessing their understanding, beliefs, risks of non-compliance,
and communication strategy—not just following routine.
Components of an Argument
Component Explanation Example
Premise A supporting statement "The patient has a fever and cough."
Conclusion The judgment based on the premise(s) "The patient might have an infection."
Argument A set of premises leading to a conclusion "The fever and cough suggest an infection."
Fact, Opinion, or Belief?
Statement Type
“The blood pressure is 90/60.” Fact
“I think she looks tired.” Opinion
“Prayer helps all healing.” Belief
In Practice:
Knowing the difference ensures decisions are based on evidence, not assumptions.
Learning Activities
You are a nurse on a medical-surgical ward during the morning shift. One of your patients, Mr.
Dela Cruz, a 68-year-old male recovering from abdominal surgery, suddenly reports feeling
dizzy when attempting to stand. He is pale and sweating. His vitals are:
• BP: 85/60 mmHg (previous: 130/80 mmHg)
• HR: 118 bpm (irregular)
• RR: 24 bpm
• Temp: 36.5°C
• O2 Sat: 96% on room air
He has an IV line running normal saline at 75 mL/hr. Post-op labs show a decreasing
hemoglobin level:
• Day 1: 13.2 g/dL
• Day 2: 11.0 g/dL
• Today: 8.2 g/dL
He hasn’t passed stool yet and reports mild abdominal pain.
Assessment & Interpretation
1. What abnormal findings do you notice in this scenario?
2. What are the possible causes of the patient's symptoms?
3. What additional assessments or data would you collect immediately?
Prioritization & Action
4. What is your first nursing action and why?
5. Which part of the nursing process is most critical here — assessment, diagnosis,
planning, implementation, or evaluation?
6. Who would you notify and what would you report?
Clinical Judgment
7. Based on the lab trend, what might be happening internally?
8. Is there a potential complication from surgery you should be concerned about?
9. What interventions would you anticipate the doctor ordering?
Reflection
10. How did your critical thinking help prevent possible harm to the patient?
11. What would have happened if you ignored the patient’s dizziness and vital sign
changes?